Help!! I need info on the Breast Cancer Act

flfish

Hello, are there any other Florida ladies out there?  The reason I ask is that I was diagnosed last year.  I had insurance then, but my husband was then laid off.  We took the COBRA option so we are insured for a few more months, but I can't find any private company to pick me up when the COBRA runs out.  I have read that back in the Clinton Era, they passed the Breast Cancer act.  My question is this, if my insurance does indeed run out, so I need to go to a special place to get my mammograms so that I will be covered under this act of Congress?  If so, are there any Florida woman out there who have used this? 

I am scared.  My mother died from this awful disease.  She was "cancer free" until her breast cancer returned after 8 years and had spread.  I want to much to keep up on my mammograms and treatment, but I am afraid if I don't have insurance, that might not be possible.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.  I am hoping that either my dh or I will find a new job that offers insurance, but I need to get my ducks in a row just in case it does run out.

Thanks ladies!

Ellie

flfish

Thanks for the information Madalyn.  That web page did help.  Unfortunately for me I do not meet the requirements (I would have to be over 50 years old and have a household income under $29,000).  I guess I will keep looking.  I just want to find an insurance company who will pick me up before my COBRA runs out (and a price we are able to afford). 

I really appreciate you taking the time to look that up for me.  The people on this board never cease to amaze me with their kindness.

Ellie

hollyann

I thought it was against the law for any insurance company to turn you down for preexisint conditions such as bc?.........

yasminv1

Ellie,

I am sorry you have to go through the worry of not having insurance. I wish the best for you. I don't have much to offer but maybe look into a local Community Health Center in your area. I know there is one near a friend in Lake Worth, FL. She has no insurance and at no cost because she was high risk they gave her a free Mammogram. Most community health centers will take care of you due to your situation. Here is OH across from the Women's Health Center at the hospital I had my biopsies at, there was a community clinic giving health care and free exams for those who could not afford it or had no insurance.

God Bless and Take Care.

Yasmin

flfish

It is a crime how even though I have never let my insurance lapse in over 25 years, they can reject me because I actually got sick (how dare I?).  Thanks for the information. 

My husband has found another job, but they said it was no longer "cost effective" to offer insurance.  Well, he had to take the job so at least we had some money coming in.  So, we are both actively looking for work, any work, that has health insurance included.  Normally, that is not such a hard thing to find, but these days it is all but impossible.

I appreciate all the advice.  I will keep looking